Kathmandu, Nepal : Nepal’s Balen Shah-led government has faced a major setback after Interpol declined to immediately issue a Red Corner Notice against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana. The request was linked to an alleged money laundering investigation currently being conducted by Nepalese authorities.
According to officials in Nepal, Interpol questioned the request itself and said the allegations against Deuba and his wife do not appear to be legally established at this stage.
Legal Procedure Under Scrutiny
As reported by the Kathmandu Post, Interpol stated that the required legal process for issuing a Red Corner Notice had not been fully followed. The international agency has reportedly asked Nepal’s government for detailed information related to several allegations and also sought clarification on the current status of the investigation.
How the Request Was Sent to Interpol
Earlier, Nepal’s Department of Money Laundering Investigation had approached Interpol through Nepal Police after the Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant on April 7. Officials had submitted warrant-related documents along with details of the ongoing investigation in support of the request for a Red Corner Notice.
Request Returned Without Approval
A source at Nepal Police Headquarters has confirmed that Interpol returned the request without granting approval for the notice. The development has created fresh challenges for Nepalese authorities pursuing the case.
Deuba and Arzu Rana Declared Absconding
Following the court-issued arrest warrant, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu Rana were declared absconding. Nepal’s government has not officially disclosed their current location, but reports suggest that both may currently be staying in Hong Kong.
Previous Public Appearance
Last year, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu Rana were reportedly injured during the Gen Z protests in Nepal, drawing significant public attention at the time.
